Communications and Community Relations Manager

Communications and Community Relations Manager

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations or equivalent is required
• Total work experience of 5+ years in communications and/or public relations
• Sound communications experience and skills, including professional and creative writing, media relations, internal and external stakeholder communications, community relations, public speaking, etc. required
• Development of comprehensive communications external and internal programs that support local, national and global business objectives and initiatives
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills with the ability to construct compelling stories that promote the company’s objectives, brand and its employees
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers, employees, elected officials, regulators, journalists, and other key stakeholders
• Thorough knowledge of traditional and digital communications and advertising, social media strategy and tactics, and visual and web content
• Knowledge of communication technologies including web, social media e-mail, print, and graphics
• Demonstrated success in community event planning and promotion
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with and engage management and employees of all levels
• Ability to deliver targeted results to specification at cost and on schedule
• Good balance of technical/task and people/team leadership skills and orientation
• Excellent negotiating, networking, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively manage external agencies and vendors
• Must be available for weekend and evening activities, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements communications and external stakeholder plans that align with both company and local goals
• Develops a wide array of communications, including strategic plans, customer communications, press releases, speeches/presentations, etc.
• Accountable for communications performance goals established by Corporate Communications
• Manages local websites, social media and digital networks, providing consistently fresh and relevant content
• Manages and is accountable for the local communications budget
• Develop communications that seek to increase satisfaction, brand perception and support a customer-focused organization
• Satisfy customer preferences by applying an omni-channeled approach that includes a variety of digital and traditional communications channels
• Create and execute communications programs for targeted stakeholder segments, including informational sessions, stakeholder dialogues and customer advisory groups
• Collaborate with communications directors/managers across the company and contribute to the development of company-wide strategic communications plans and programs
• Monitor, collect and analyze customer data, including the identification of trending / emerging issues, including but not limited to customer advisory panels, stakeholder dialogues, client research, social media, customer web behavior, focus groups, surveys and customer service centers
• Incorporate learnings with the aim of creating customer focused solutions
• Develop rich and meaningful internal communications that promote projects, champion change, foster employee pride, and inspire commitment to company goals
• Celebrate employees and their contributions through various company platforms and activities (award programs, newsletters, social media, storytelling, participation in company activities, e.g.)
• Accountability for and oversight of the local company’s Corporate Social Responsibility programs, including Veolia’s signature environment, education and community assistance programs
• Foster an inclusive external culture by building and maintaining relationships with local community NGOs and other influential stakeholders and incorporating their input where appropriate
• Develop community programs that further educate stakeholders on company initiatives, the water industry and the Veolia brand
• Manage local company’s charitable giving program and ensure alignment with corporate goals and policy
• Develop compelling stories and generate leads that cultivate journalists’ interest in the Veolia brand
• Convert pitches and meaningful conversations to earned placement
• Develop social media and digital content that champions the brand and supports local business strategies and goals
• Develop articles and pitch stories beyond local media reach to include industry and trade publications and national media where appropriate
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with influential community and civic organizations and elected and municipal officials
• Keep external stakeholders informed of company practices, business decisions, and programs which impact customers and the community
• Build stakeholder loyalty and satisfaction by responding with urgency to requests and concerns
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of state and local current affairs issues
• Act with expedience to develop and implement customer communications during emergencies
• Command the use of multiple tactics and channels, accounting for customer preferences
• Act as communications adviser for local leadership and foster communications best practice
• Provide support for other business operations as may be needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• Working knowledge of the water services or utility industry, a strong plus